Iorhael: Thank you for helping me with this story! You have been very, very helpful.
FrodoBaggins87: You're very welcome! Thank you for being such an enthusiastic reader. Sorry this is so short. I promise, as far as I can remember (see my lj-entry for details on why I wouldn't be able to check and know for sure), that the last five chapters are longer, especially the last. Thanks for reviewing!
Nimrodel of Meneltarma: I am glad to hear from you again. Yeah, Sandy's bad. How can he? Because I'm writing him in to be a means of torturing Frodo. J I don't mind your mistakes at all. I understand.
BreallyraLetherleaf: Glad to hear from you! I noticed you had me on your favorite author's list a few days ago. Thanks for adding me. I'm going to check out your story when I get time.
A/N: I am sorry to all who are eagerly awaiting my updates, but I'm afraid it could be a while before I update again. Hopefully, it will not be too long. Yes, FrodoBaggins87, it is a reason you know.
March 20, 1420 S.R.
There has been a terrible racket outside all day. It is hard for one to rest when such a thing is going on. The doctor has tried to get them to leave, but they refuse. He has had to barricade the doors and windows, and he has apologized several times. The noise is muffled though, so I cannot figure out what they are yelling. They sound scared and angry. Doctor said there are even women outside. What has the Shire in such an uproar? I only hope this protest or whatever it is dies down before too long.
The doctor refuses to say what this is about. He said something about a rumor that his overcharging his patients puts everyone out to get him. However, that would not bring everyone out of their homes; they would have sent two lads out to speak diplomatically.
Why did I have to injure my back? I am not only miserable from pain and being stuck indoors, but also from being stuck with a Sackville-Baggins. Their kind were who took charge of the Shire, were after Bag End nonstop for years.
The Cottons probably have no idea of where I am. Perhaps part of the noise is a search party? I am too hopeful for my own good. No one cares now, nor will they ever. F.B.
Putting his journal in its respective place, Frodo waited for the doctor to come with dinner. He looked out the window where the stars glittered in the evening sky. The window could be seen only from one tiny area where the wood did not cover. He wished the noise would die down for it would soon be time fore rest – if he could get some. Amazingly, he had slept dreamlessly the night before, yet he was still tired, as though he had been under a trance and not truly asleep. He could not understand why.
The doctor came in the room, carrying a bowl of stew and a glass of milk. Frodo ate eagerly, saying nothing. He felt somehow sorry for being a burden to Sandy even though he was a Sackville-Baggins. Nobody cared for him, yet here was an old acquaintance caring for him with a servant's heart. It was odd if simply for the tension between the two families. He finished his meal quite quickly. Even though he did not have a large appetite, the meager meals the doctor provided were a bit to meager even for him.
Frodo felt he should not trust the doctor, but he could not bring himself to trust him. There seemed some ulterior motive behind this kindness. Frodo could not put his finger on it though, so he decided to submit to the doctor's will.
"How is your back, Master Baggins?"
"It still hurts, but it feels better."
"Ah…then, the medicine must be helping."
"I reckon so. By the way, you may call me Frodo, seeing we will be spending a while together, seemingly."
"Seemingly, indeed. And you may call me Sandy, Frodo," replied Sandy with a faint smile.
"Thank you, Sandy."
The doctor stood and pulled back a curtain. "The crowds have left. Perhaps we will get a good night's rest, after all."
"We shall, now that the noise has died down," agreed Frodo.
"Well then, I shall leave you to rest after you take your medicine."
"Must I?" Frodo asked. "It tastes so horrid."
"You still have milk to wash the taste out with," Sandy pointed out, handing the medicine to Frodo who drank it in one gulp and quickly drank the milk.
"Sandy?" Frodo said as Sandy turned to leave. The young doctor looked back. "Thank you."
"You are welcome." The doctor left, turning the peg on the oil lamp, leaving Frodo in darkness, the one place Frodo felt himself safe.
TBC...
Again, I am sorry that it will be a while. Thanks again to all of you for reviewing. Now, please take a moment to leave another one. I'm sorry this was so short.